Presto Magic, a fixture in Long Beach, CA for decades, is closing in May. For many years the shop was located in downtown Long Beach, where Presto, a successful working magician, would share his wealth of experience with up-and-comers. In recent years, it moved due to urban renewal, but the "new" shop retained the feel of the old.

Presto's is worth a visit if you want to experience a magic shop from the 1940s or 1950s. Everything is a bit chaotic (and dusty here and there). Shelves are lined with carboard bins with neatly handwritten signs identifying which gimmick or gaffed deck they contain. Some of the apparatus on the shelves hasn't been available for years.

Presto has been ill, but the head salesman, John, is an old school magician as well. He happily takes the time with customers to explain that new trick and offer some inside tips. Sadly this window into the past is about to close. Despite the huge magical heritage of Southern California, there are very few bricks and mortar shops left. Their number is about to decline by one more.